'I Thought It Was Enough, I Can’t Push It Anymore': Indian Badminton Icon Saina Nehwal Confirms Retirement After Knee Injury
Published on: Jan. 19, 2026, 11:22 p.m. | Source: Free Press Journal
Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton, citing chronic knee degeneration and arthritis. The former world No. 1 last played in 2023 but said her body could no longer handle elite-level training. Saina added she chose not to announce her retirement earlier, believing her absence from competition spoke for itself.
